As a homeowner in the 55-64 yo bracket who is considering selling or renting out my residence and relocating to another CA County, I wouldn’t sign up for HOA dues or MR anywhere. Of course, some of the counties I am considering don’t have any MR because they (wisely) issued moratoriums on subdivision permits decades ago.
IMHO, a buyer in yours (and my) age bracket has absolutely no need to pay a $100K to $300K “premium” for new or newer construction in areas where you will be competing (as a buyer) with prospective buyers with school-age children. In SD County, that appears to be what the “premium” is to buy into a “perceived” good school attendance area.
1/12 your MR plus HOA dues can EASILY add up to more than the the monthly “ad valoream” portion of your property tax and will prove to be a “life sentence” for you … even in the absence of a mortgage. These hundreds of dollars per month (even $1000+) would be far better spent on travel (if you do so) or even rehabbing a smallish older home in a far more valuable area much closer to the beach, IMO.
“Robertson Ranch” appears to be about seven miles from the beach. You must know that it isn’t anywhere near the beach:
Have you inquired as to how much a fire (homeowner’s) policy will cost annually in the vicinity of Robertson Ranch? It appears to be sandwiched amongst at least two notorious repeat high-fire-danger areas. And where do you currently reside, bushman? This info will help the Piggs help you.
